Research Rationale

Following the complete sequencing of the human genome, scientists are faced with the major challenge of documenting, describing and understanding the non-random pattern of human genetic variation (HGV) and its link to disease risks in different populations. Although genomic data show that it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to consistently identify all persons who claim membership to a particular population group based on genetic data without generating "outliers," scientists have been unable to move beyond racial categorization in science, medicine and society. Partially responsible for the lack of clarity in our use and interpretation of HGV is the fact that, although we do not have distinct biological types of "races," we do have differences in the frequencies of genetic markers across human ancestral groups. These differences, which for the most part describe continental populations (geographical distance), are believed to harbor the answers to why some individuals and groups may be more susceptible or resistant to diseases and may also hold the key to understanding why human groups respond differently to medications.

The research activities in the CRGGH lab promises to inform these ongoing scientific and public discussions within the context of group identity and differences in health and disease. It is imperative that all human populations are adequately represented in the global effort to use genomics and biotechnology tools to improve human conditions including health. A major concern of the CRGGH laboratory is that the equity gap that already exists between racial and ethnic groups within the United States and between developed and developing countries will be widened if these groups and developing country populations, their scientists and health practitioners are not fully engaged in genomic science. We believe that inequality in health will be exacerbated if we do not ensure that "Tomorrow's Medicine and Technology" will work for all humans and that United States racial and ethnic minorities are not left out of the genomic revolution.